Vaginal Dryness Solutions
Good Evening! Question for all, I was taking anastrozole for ADH diagnosis but had to stop because of side effects. I am left with extreme vaginal dryness and atrophy thanks to the med and menopause. What do people use to help? My doctor( GYN and breast surgeon in agreement) has prescribed a low dose vag estrogen cream( pea size 3 x a week), but I need something topical too for the in between days. I am overwhelmed by the choices on the market and the whole trial-and-error process. Also trying to find one that is paraben free and properly pH balanced. I wish there was a vitamin one could take to solve the discomfort! ugh. 🙂 Please know I am not looking for medical advice, just trying to find out what is out there and what has worked for some. I just stare at the aisle in the store and online pulls up so many options. I have been very frustrated. I figure women need to talk about this kind of stuff to get help.
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Yes, the stuff is pricey indeed. I shop around to find whoever sells it cheaper.
I have good news. Before I could shop for these products (personal moisturizer or personal lubricant), I was intimate. I talked with my partner about my concerns, but it turned out to not be an issue. It was normal…i was surprised. It had been a long time, yet it was fine. I still want to have it though, just in case.
@verol65 , I just noticed and that scenery behind you is awesome!
Thank you, @celia16 ! My husband took that picture at a wedding in Terra Serena, a private development in Arteaga, Coahuila. It's part of the Sierra Madre mountains.
I was afraid to use any estrogen-based products following my lumpectomy. My urologist recommended applying a pea-sized amount of Kirkland Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to my vagina several times a day as well as taking 6 Desert Harvest Aloe Vera capsules daily . That was several years ago. Since then I have modified both: I apply coconut oil each morning and take just 2 aloe vera capsules daily. I have no vaginal discomfort and haven’t even had a hint of a pink stain since that time.
How do the aloe vera supplements work?
I don’t know what role the aloe vera capsules play in vaginal dryness. They are pricey, for sure. My internist is skeptical, saying there is no proof of their value. Even though I’m taking a reduced amount than was originally recommended, I’ve been reluctant to eliminate them completely because I’m so happy with the results. Certainly coconut oil is the major player.
I have been on Tamoxifen for a year now. I am 71 and way past menopause but I have osteoporosis so that's why I am not on an AI which could make my bones worse. My primary care doctor suggested I try olive oil 2x a day when I first was having vaginal dryness about a month. That worked for 6 months but then it no longer was helping. The breast specialist at Mayo suggested Replens moisturizer. That works very well for dryness for me. You insert it ( like you would insert a tampon) every 3 days. So far I am very pleased with it. Replens also makes a lubricant and you get a little sample of it in each box of the moisturizers. I haven't needed that yet but I am saving the little samples just in case. Sending wellness and healing wishes to all on the site ❤️
Sorry for the typo. I meant I started the olive oil about a month after going on Tamoxifen.
Do you take the olive oil orally or apply externally?